I get the sense that the league is moving in the direction of guys who can create their own offense.
This, though I don't think this is new.
The reason Rondo is not more valuable (and IMO why Ainge would like to trade him), is that he struggles to win games in the 4th Q. He can't carry a team from a scoring perspective, and he's a liability at the FT line. This why we're subjected to that PP step-back for every last shot. It's arguably why we miss Ray Allen the most.
Magic Johnson has said this about Rondo many times. To take the next step, to be the franchise player and carry the team, to be a true MVP candidate, he needs to be able to score. Easier said than done...
Irving has that. An NBA team would take that ability over a few assists any day.
For those arguing Rondo would be the choice over Irving, please see the above again. Rondo avoids scoring opportunities in the 4th Q because he's scared of the FT line, and doesn't have the ability to make an impact from long range. It's a problem for a franchise player.
This season, Rondo's averaging 42% of the Q4 points Irving' scoring. Because as we saw last night, Irving can go to the basket and win a game.
Yeah, we've seen this with players like Rose and Paul before, too.
All they need to do is keep the game close until the fourth quarter and then they can go 1 on 1 and dominate.
A team led by Rondo needs to win by getting stops, or by getting hot from outside late in the game when opposing defenses really clamp down. Rondo's defense isn't even all that good lately, so other than passing out to guys for low efficiency mid-range jumpers, what does he do in the 4th quarter?
I'll take Kyrie any day. Rondo is a very nice player, but having a guy who can win you a game by himself on a consistent basis like that is just more valuable in this league.